Dr is recommending beta blockers for at least two years. He says it is not uncommon for cyclists to be taking beta blockers and won’t really hurt riding.
So I’ld thought I’d ask to see if any of you had a personal experience with these drugs.
Thanks
I found they depressed my heart rate and really depressed my run rate. This is,I believe, a well known effect. I suggest you consult with an MD who is attuned to sports issues.
Mind providing any additional feedback?
I think you can safely expect some heart rate suppression.
Second opinions are always worthwhile.
My doc put me on Beta Blockers for 2 months when they thought I had Long QT Syndrome (luckily ruled out!).
My resting HR dropped to less than 35 bpm, I was always cold and tired. I was slow and didn’t feel like training. I persuaded my doc 1/2 way through the 2 months to cut my dosage in half which helped some.
If you need them, take them…but I didn’t like it.
based on my experience, the doctor doesn’t know what he’s talking about. beta blockers cut my max HR by 50+ beats - trying to do harder efforts while on them was like trying to run through cement. and after a month or two of pushing through it I finally got to the point where I was able to go harder, and the heart arrythmias returned.
I have not been on a heart medication that did not have a noticable and significant (negative) effect on my ability to exercise.
If you search the forum there is quite a bit of information in previous posts on different heart issues.
good luck- heart problems are no fun.
J
I tried them for migraines for awhile, and I found my RHR dropped down to like low 30s, and occasionally lower. It also made me feel sluggish on the run. I didn’t stay on them too long, as I was uncomfortable with that side effect.
I use Toprol as part of my hypertension treatment. I’ve been on it about 2 years. There are two side effects for me. It makes me a little sleepy at times and the first five 10 minutes of your workout is not comfortable as it slows your heartbeat. But, after you get warmed up, I don’t really notice much.
What Beta Blocker are you on and what dose?
Lopressor. Don’t know dosage right now. Drops resting HR from about 78 to 60. Was told it will cap upper HR at about 110 to 120. Haven’t pushed yet, so don’t know. Normal HR during exercise was about 140 to 150. Stress test is Thursday, so we’ll see.
Toprol XL 100
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I haven’t had that experience.
I think you might lose 10% of your upper range. But if you are not red-lining for a living, who cares.
Cinder - I did a blog on beta blockers about a year ago that might help you with your answer.
Why are you suggested to be on beta blockers? (might seem obvious, but not included in your post)
I have borderline resting BP, but insanely high exercise BP (the highest my original cardiologist had ever seen!)
I was put on beta blockers for about 3 months (one month for 3 differnt brands or whatever). I got a horrible side effect of prettymuch constant coughing, including while I was sleeping. I was exhausted an my wife was ready to kill me for coughing on her all night while I sorta slept.
I was then switched to Cozaar (Losarten?) and the improvement was instant! I hardly cough at all now 
I’ve been changed to Hyzaar (Cozaar plus a diuretic) but have noticed no real change in symptoms or BP. Neither of the last two are covered by the goverment here (they just cover beta blockers) but my doctor lobbied for dispensation and I have it for life now. That way I don’t have to pay a squillion just to stay alive
I’m a useless fat FK on the bike so I doubt I could go any slower regardless of what drug I might be on, so I’m not a good person to ask about that.
Good luck